The categories under the Assets, Liabilities, and Owner's Equity headings.

Accounts Payable

A liability account used for short-term obligations or charge accounts, usually due within 30 days.

Accounts Receivable

An account used to record the amounts due from (legal claims against) charge customers. (p. 27)

Assets

Cash, properties, and other things of value owned by an economic unit or a business entity. (p. 13)

Business Entity

A business enterprise, separate and distinct from the persons who supply the assets it uses. (p. 13)

Capital

The owner’s investment, or equity, in an enterprise. (p. 13)

Chart of Accounts

The official list of account titles to be used to record the transactions of a business. (p. 22)

Creditor

One to whom money is owed. (p.14)

Double-Entry Accounting

The system by which each business transaction is recorded in at least two accounts and the accounting equation is kept in balance. (p. 17)

Equity

The value of a right or claim to or financial interest in an asset or group of assets. (p. 13)

Expenses

The costs that relate to earning revenue (the costs of doing business); examples are wages, rent, interest, and advertising. They may be paid in cash immediately or at a future time (Accounts Payable). (p. 21)

Fair Market Value

The present worth of an asset or the amount that would be received if the asset were sold to an outsider on the open market. (p. 19)

An equation expressing the relationship of assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity. (p. 14)

Liabilities

Debts or amounts owed to creditors. (p. 14)

Owner’s Equity

The owner’s right to or investment in the business. (p. 13)

Revenues

The amounts a business earns; examples are fees earned for performing services, sales of merchandise, rent income, and interest income. They may be in the form of cash, credit card receipts, or accounts receivable (charge accounts). (p. 21)

Separate Entity Concept

The concept by which a business is treated as a separate economic or accounting entity. The business stands by itself, separate from its owners, creditors, and customers. (p. 16)

Sole Proprietorship

A one-owner business. (p. 16)

Withdrawal

The taking of cash or other assets out of a business by the owner for his or her own use. (This is also referred to as drawing.) A withdrawal is treated as a decrease in owner’s equity. (p. 30)